Cutaway Bus August 2004

Cutaway Bus ________________ August 2004

1. 
   The purpose of this specification is to provide a transit quality vehicle manufactured on a standard cutaway chassis with provision for stand-up entry, a wheelchair lift and tie downs as depicted on the floor plan attached to these specifications. All body, floor and roof joints must be tightly sealed to eliminate drafts and water leaks. Vehicle shall exhibit attention to workmanship and detail. Used, shopworn, or prototype vehicles are not acceptable. Vehicles furnished to these specifications must meet or exceed all requirements herein.
   

Interior height from floor to ceiling........................72" min.

Interior height from floor to ceiling at aisle............75" min.

Height at first step................................................12" max.

Height at passenger door entrance.......................78" min.

Aisle width............................................................16" min.

Interior width at floor level....................................76" min.

1. 
   In order to assure a smooth ride, wheelbase and overall body length should be selected to avoid excessive overhang behind rear wheels, (not more than 50% of the wheelbase).
   

Front Axle Capacity................................................4,600 lbs. min.

Rear Axle Capacity................................................ 7,500 lbs. min.

Front Springs..........................................................3,800 lbs. min.

Rear Springs....................................................... ...7,800 lbs. min.

4.1 Minimum of ten thousand and five hundred (10,500) pounds, or higher if required, to support the loaded weight of the completed vehicle including any optional equipment selected. It is the bidder's responsibility to calculate the actual loaded weight and to provide a heavier chassis, tire, wheel, spring or axle combination if required.

6.1. Conversion Features - The engine shall be fueled to operate on liquefied petroleum gas. The engine, fuel system, and all related components shall meet all applicable requirements. Conversion system shall incorporate an adaptive learn system which automatically compensates for variations in fuel composition, altitude, and temperature. Fuel system shall be computer controlled through OEM interface or using an auxiliary system. Fuel delivery shall be accomplished through computerized fuel injection.

6. 
   Refueling Receptacle ‑ The vehicle refueling receptacle shall be the industry standard. The receptacle must be protected with a dust cap, permanently attached to the vehicle. All conversion systems will have a remote refueling receptacle unless otherwise specified by the ordering agency. The remote fill receptacle shall be enclosed in a hinged remote fill box unless otherwise specified by the ordering agency. The remote refueling receptacle shall be located as near to the gasoline filler location as possible.
   

9. 
   Filter - An in-line disposable fuel filter shall be provided featuring welded stainless steel, high strength construction and integral fittings, 3/8" SAE 45 degree flare. Preventive maintenance instructions are to be provided in accordance with Section 50.
   
10. 
    Vaporizer - A vaporizer shall be provided equipped with a two-stage hi-flow regulator that provides the system with a fuel at a consistent operating pressure and temperature. The vaporizer shall feature a high-efficiency heat exchanger, balanced output pressure regulation, and an integral pressure relief valve.
    

1. 
   Installation ‑ The installed conversion system is to present a neat, OEM quality appearance and shall be free of all defects affecting appearance, useful life, or serviceability. The installed systems must not interfere with routine maintenance tasks such as tune ups, checking of fluid levels, the replacement of spark plugs, distributor caps and rotors, or drive belts nor render inoperative the functions of the air filter, air connection, or any component of the emission control system of the vehicle unless approved under EPA guidelines. All electrical wiring is to be insulated and enclosed in a fibrous loom, plastic loom, or flexible conduit for protection from external damage and short circuits. Wiring is to be securely fastened at sufficient intervals to prevent sagging and ensure clearance of mechanical parts. Routing of the wiring through the sub‑frame, body, etc., shall not interfere with normal operation or present a safety hazard. Rubber/plastic grommets are be used wherever wires, harness or fuel lines pass through metal. Workmanship shall be comparable to that of the vehicle OEM. The systems shall be installed to conform to the system manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
   

5. 
   Safety ‑ The engine, after conversion, is to meet all federal and state safety rules and regulations, all applicable EPA emission standards, DPS Vehicle Inspection Rules, and TNRCC Regulation IV.
   

8. 
   OEM Air Canister - Whenever the OEM air canister is removed and replaced, a fully enclosed all metal air canister shall be provided. The use of silicon sealer to provide air tightness on an air canister/air filter assembly is prohibited. Modifications to OEM air canister/air filter assemblies shall be restricted to minor modifications required in the conversion system manufacturer's installation instructions.
   
9. 
   Engine Electronics - All electronics are required to properly interface with the original vehicle electronics to meet vehicle performance and emission objectives. The vehicle OEM engine management computer and its permanent control memory shall not be modified, removed, replaced or otherwise altered. The computer and electronic systems must be of closed loop design with adaptive learn capabilities and self-adjusting strategies built into the system allowing for the optimization of the ignition system's timing curve for LPG. The learning algorithms must enable the unit to learn its power and idle points automatically. The mixer must be fixed venturi type with no moving parts. On-Board OEM diagnostics are not to be adversely affected or over-ridden by the conversion system. Electrical Wiring is to be color coded to match the vehicle manufacturer's electrical wiring color scheme.
   
10. 
    Alternative Fuel Decals - A decal is to be located under the hood, easily visible to the operator upon opening. The decal shall state that this is a LPG fueled vehicle. A second decal is to be added under the hood showing name, address, and phone number of the conversion vendor. The vehicle shall also be furnished with a diamond LPG alternative fuel decal in accordance with National Fire Protection Association # 58 (LPG gas code).
    
11. 
    Anti-Tampering - Conversion system shall comply with EPA anti-tampering rules, and shall be designed so as to prohibit tampering, and shall not have an adjustable converter.
    

3. 
   WARRANTY REPAIRS - When warranty repairs are required, the purchasing entity will notify a representative of the vendor's Texas dealer by telephone at the location and the telephone number designated by the vendor on the Warranty Certification as the point of contact. Major warranty repair work for the purpose of this specification means major repairs to the alternative fuel system and major repairs to any other components of the system. Diagnosis of the actual repairs required will be the responsibility of the vendor. The unit will be made available at the purchasing entity's facility within a 100-mile (161 km) radius of the FOB point shown on the purchase order. The repair work may be performed by the vendor or their authorized representative.
   

3. 
   TOWING COSTS - The purchasing entity may transport the unit to the vendor's location or authorized repair facility (within the boundaries of the state of Texas), in accordance with the warranty agreement, which should allow for vendor to perform diagnostics and provide alternative remedies prior to third party towing at the vendor’s expense.
   

3. 
   RESPONSE TIME - Warranty repair action shall begin within five working days after the vendor is notified of the need for warranty repairs. A representative of the vendor's Texas dealer will be notified by telephone with a letter or fax confirmation at the location, telephone and fax number designed by the vendor on the warranty certification as the point of contact. The vendor shall notify the purchasing entity immediately of any change in this location, telephone with a letter or FAX confirmation at the location, telephone and/or FAX number. The warranty repairs should be completed and the unit returned to the purchasing entity (or picked up by the purchasing entity at the vendor's expense as outlined above) within a reasonable period of time (three working days).
   

3. 
   PARTS AND SERVICE - The manufacturer of the equipment furnished shall have an authorized dealer within the state of Texas. The authorized dealer shall have factory-trained personnel available for warranty repairs and the performance of service. The dealer shall maintain an inventory of high-usage parts and a quick source of low-usage parts.
   

3. 
   WARRANTY DISPUTES - If there is any dispute between the vendor and OEM on the cause of an LPG conversion malfunction, it shall automatically become the vendor's responsibility to determine the cause and provide necessary repairs. If the question is not resolved within seven (7) working days from the date of notification to the vendor by the purchasing entity, the vendor will arrange, with the permission of the purchasing entity, for the vehicle to be repaired by a duly licensed technician, at an EM dealership or other facility selected by the purchasing entity, at no cost to the purchasing entity. The vendor may then negotiate with the EM if the repair is covered by the EM warranty or pay for the repairs if it is not, unless it can be determined that the malfunction was due to improper operation such as low oil, low water, etc.
   

11.5 The following controls, in addition to normal steering, braking, and transmission functions are to be provided:

11.6 All controls are to be within arm's reach of a five foot (5'0") driver with seat belt fastened.